Joschka Fischer expects NATO to end in its current form

Former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer expects an end to NATO. “I don’t assume that NATO will survive,” said Fischer in the current issue of “Zeit”. "NATO as a transatlantic security alliance will not last, I'm afraid. But NATO as a military alliance for Europe, perhaps with Canada, with Great Britain - giving that up would be a big mistake. You also have to wage defensive battles, with all your strength, now and then," said the former Vice Chancellor of the Greens.

According to Fischer, Europe must draw conclusions from the loss of trust that transatlantic relations experienced during the term of office of US President Donald Trump: "If Europe becomes stronger, also stronger in terms of power politics, stronger militarily, then a different relationship will emerge. The post-war situation with the hyper-dominance of the USA in the NATO area is over. We must be able to defend ourselves."

In Saxony-Anhalt it is about “our identity”. “Are we going to remain a European, Western-oriented country, an open democracy?” The answer to this question depends on "how hard the fight for the soul of Germany is being waged. In any case, I am not prepared to roll up the flag." Fighting in this case means “not backing down, even under the most difficult conditions”.

Things also look “bleak” with regard to the presidential election in France next year. "We must hold on to the European project, we must hold on to common security despite Trump. And we must hold on to the basic values ​​of our democracy," said Fischer.